Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby will address candidates for bachelor’s and master’s degrees during fall Commencement ceremonies at East Central University on Saturday, Dec. 15.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in the Kerr Activities Center for 242 candidates for bachelor’s degrees and 102 candidates for master’s degrees.

Anoatubby has served as governor of the Chickasaw Nation since 1987. His effective leadership has led to ongoing growth within the tribe.

When Anoatubby took office as governor, the Chickasaw Nation had only 250 employees. Today, it employs over 12,000. The financial conditions of the tribe have been improved tremendously. Funding for tribal operations has grown exponentially. Tribal assets have grown twentyfold.

His leadership not only spurred the financial growth and success of the Chickasaw Nation, but his influence has also helped preserve the proud history and culture of the tribe. Anoatubby’s efforts have led to a cultural and language renaissance among the Chickasaw Nation, including the construction of the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, a state-of-the-art campus which celebrates the legacy of the Chickasaw people while serving as a supreme learning tool.

In his role as chief executive of the Chickasaw Nation, Anoatubby has made education, jobs, health care, preservation of the environment and business development as priorities in his governorship, all of which have sustained success and growth.

Prior to becoming Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, Anoatubby served as the first Lieutenant Governor from 1979-1987. He has been active in tribal government since 1975. His previous positions include director of tribal health services, director of finance, and special assistant to the governor and controller.

Anoatubby earned his degree in accounting from ECU in 1972. That education coupled with his effective business management skills have made the Chickasaw Nation, the 13th largest tribe in the United States, a model of continuing economic growth and a proud historical and cultural heritage.

East Central University's mission is to foster a learning environment in which students, faculty, staff, and communityinteract to educate students for life in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society. Within its service area,East Central University provides leadership for economic development and cultural enhancement.